Some of best paddlers in Australia lined up for the annual Canoeing Victoria Summer Series race below the weir in Yarrawonga on Sunday in preparation for the Canoe Marathon National Championships to be held in March.
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Multiple Australian open champion Mick Leverett was overshadowed this year by young gun Seamus Spanner in the Murray River Classic winning the 25km event in impressive fashion. Australian Champion Kate Leverett took out her second open women’s race in the classic.
The Australia Day award for the best preforming junior was won by Albury paddler Joseph Burton in his first official race since badly damaging his achilles at last year’s Australian Championships. Geelong paddler Maddie Lamb won the female award.
Under 18 Canberra paddler Liam Dohnt won the Male Classic Race with Melbourne paddler Rachel de Kretser taking out the female race.
Echuca young gun Tyler Creed also won the Kevin Phillips Canoe Classic for the second year running.
Local paddlers were well represented with 12 year old Kristi Hardman winning the under 16 K1 event toughing it out over the challenging 10km course. Zoe Schweda won the 5km under 14 event and the girl’s mothers Jenny Hardam and Janet Schweda combined to win the 5km doubles event.
Many of the competitors were using the race as part of qualifying for the national titles in March. Most of the paddlers also tackled portages on each lap at the ‘GreenPatch”.
Yarrawonga-Mulwala Canoe Club Coach Tim Roadley said despite hot conditions late in the race the day’s racing was perfect for kayakers looking to qualify for the nationals.
“All the competitors enjoyed the five kilometre circuit with positive comments from paddlers,” Tim said.
“We had paddlers from all parts of Victoria, NSW and even Canberra. Many past and future Australian representatives used this event as the first step to qualify for the Australian Championship in Perth where they will compete to be selected in the Australian team for the 2019 ICF World Champs.
“I would like to thank all those people whom assisted on the day as well as Yarrawonga Holiday Park, the local SES, NSW Maritime, Parks Victoria and Moira Shire who all allowed us to hold a successful and safe event.”
The Yarrawonga-Mulwala Canoe Club is holding a come and try this Wednesday evening from 6pm at the Yarrawonga Yacht Club if you would like to give paddling a go. Anyone wishing to take part can ring Tim on0417 373 376.
